What can anthropology contribute to Planetary Futures? And how might we retool anthropological inquiry for a f$&#ed up planet? This course’s unique structure cultivates personal pathways of discovery that empower students to seek individual answers grounded in anthropological scholarship to this question.
Bridged by an introductory seminar, a mid-semester reflexive seminar, and an end-of-semester capstone analysis seminar, the course offers nine intensive workshops. Each workshop facilitates in-depth engagement with two readings; one critical historical one and one a path breaking contemporary one. Led by nine ANU anthropology faculty, respectively, these concentrated weekly discussions immerse students in nine individual approaches to the interconnections between the theory and history of anthropology on the one hand, and applications of anthropology to planetary futures on the other. By engaging in critical analysis, collaborative discussions, and independent research, students will develop advanced skills in ethnographic inquiry and theoretical exploration – foundational skills for the Master of Anthropology and Planetary Futures.
This introductory course to the Master of Anthropology and Planetary Futures is intended for students who have a foundational knowledge of anthropology and have completed coursework in anthropological theory or a related field.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- evaluate diverse trajectories of the theory and history of anthropology and apply these to research design;
- apply established and emerging approaches to anthropological research, writing, and advocacy to the problem-space of planetary futures;
- interpret and critically engage with key anthropological texts; and
- contribute to scholarly and professional conversations in anthropology.
Indicative Assessment
- Weekly Participation and contribution to seminar (self-assessment reflection 100 words per week x9 weeks, total 900 words) (20) [LO 1,2,3]
- Structured workshop preparation ( x9 400 words each, 3,600 total) (50) [LO 3,4]
- Research Essay (2,500 words) (30) [LO 2,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
1) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks made up of 3 hours each week of seminars/workshops
2) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
None
Prescribed Texts
Not applicable
Assumed Knowledge
This introductory course to the MAAPF is intended for students who have a foundational knowledge of anthropology and have completed coursework in anthropological theory or a related field.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.